Supports Green Practices

"Supports Green Initiatives" designates a hotel's participation in an optional environmental program that includes the use of energy-efficient lighting, guestroom towel/linen re-use, and on-premise recycling. "Supports Green Initiatives" does not represent an official certification of any kind.

Outdoor Activities

The Northwest Park is a popular recreational landmark. It features a nature center as well as soccer fields and walking trails. Comprising of 473 acres (191 hectares) of verdant land and forests, this park plays host to summer camps and several programs for education about the nature and environment. The park also holds a fair that takes place once a year.

Located on the outskirts of downtown Springfield, Franconia Golf Course provides an excellent facility that is open to the general public. Originally opening in 1929, the course was extensively renovated in 2001 to bring it up to modern standards. Special rates for juniors, seniors, and twilight rounds are available. Reservations are taken for the weekend, but playing during the week is on a first-come first-served basis. No matter your skill level, you will find a round here to be a challenging and fun one.

Forest Park is 785 acres of pure outdoor fun. With all kinds of entertainment, including a zoo, paddleboats, tennis courts, bocce ball, playgrounds and hiking trails, Forest Park has something for everyone. In the winter, the park is a great location for sledding and snowshoeing. Whether its summer, spring, winter or fall, Forest Park has got it all.

Located in Cromwell, the Champions Skating Center has a gorgeous facility designed for regional hockey teams, figure skating enthusiasts or Olympic hopefuls. Some of the greatest skaters in recent history have made Connecticut their home and this is where they have trained for gold. Skaters like Oksana Baiul and Viktor Petrenko of the Ukraine have trained and taught here. Come during open hours to glide upon the ice or watch the Zamboni machine do its magic.

Riverside Park is one of Hartford's oldest public parks and this waterfront parks attracts young and old for a relaxing stroll along the water to cycling or hiking on one of the many trails. The series of four, 148-acre parks on both sides of the River are popular picnicking and excursion spots for Hartford's residents and the many people who work Downtown during the week. Visitors can use the boathouse for rowing along the Connecticut River or get permits to go fishing. During the summer months, there are numerous events at the riverfront venue at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.

Storrowton Village is a living history museum located on the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds. The antique buildings around the mini-town within the fairgrounds recreate a New England town during the 19th Century. The Village is primarily open during the summer months and gets the most visitors of the year during The Big E fair. Take a tour, and have a costumed volunteer docent answer your questions about Storrowton Village, or enjoy a meal at the Storrowton Tavern.

The Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway is a 3.7-mile corridor running along the beautiful Connecticut River through Springfield. Stretching from the South End Bridge to Plainfield Street, the pathway passes Springfield landmarks like the Basketball Hall of Fame and Riverfront Park. The Walk and Bikeway is a great community resource for outdoor recreation.

The Connecticut River cuts through Springfield's downtown and creates a picturesque area for people to walk or bike down. The Connecticut River is the longest river in New England and is 407 miles long. The river contains many species of fish, including Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout and the American eel.

One of the most unique public spaces in the country, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden has five different statues and sculptures of some of Dr Seuss' most beloved characters. A ten-foot tall Horton, plus the Lorax, Yertle the Turtle and the Cat in the Hat are some of the cartoon creatures that come to life in this playful garden. The largest sculpture is an enormous replica of Oh, the Places You'll Go!, and there is also a statue of Dr. Seuss sitting at his writing desk. Free and open daily, the garden is a great stop for anyone and everyone who loves Dr. Seuss.

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza is located in the heart of downtown Hartford. Launched in 1999, it is a popular recreational destination among locals and visitors alike. Explore this park on foot, admire public art installations, take a boat tour on the Connecticut River or engage in some fishing, among myriad activities on offer here. The stage set at the edge of the bank comes with a picturesque backdrop and descending grass seating. It hosts concerts and live performances throughout the year.

Nestled besides the Connecticut River, the Great River Park is a scenic waterfront park. Enjoy a stroll on the paved and lighted river-walks or have a picnic with your family and friends amidst nature. Go fishing or boating and check out their exercise stations. This parkland also features an amphitheater that can accommodate up to 350 spectators and has many sculptures all around the park. It hosts year-round events and programs as well.